The LAS has rejected the Assembly's proposals. Image: MayorWatchThe London Ambulance Service has rejected suggestions that the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime review how the service and Met police work together.

The review was one of several recommendations recently made by the London Assembly.

In December the Assembly’s Health and Public Services Committee rejected giving the Mayor full control over the LAS but set out proposals for the service to work more closely with London’s police, fire and transport services.

The Assembly’s report followed the announcement of 900 job losses, including 560 posts “responsible for direct patient care”, as part of a five year cost-cutting plan.

Rejecting the proposed MOPC review, the LAS says: “It is the view of the London Ambulance Service that a formal review is not required at this stage. Significant work has already taken place to reduce demand on the Service and ensure appropriate referrals are made by the MPS when clinical support is required.”

The LAS says it would “welcome” having input into the development of door-to-door services allowing people with mobility problems to access health services, but describes as “unlikely” the committee’s suggestion “that improved door-to-door services could help deliver a long-term reduction in ambulance passenger journeys.”

The Ambulance service has also dismissed suggestions that sharing facilities with the Fire Brigade would would generate savings.

In a written response to Assembly Members, the LAS says an existing shared facility arrangement in Barnet “does not deliver any savings and is no more efficient than renting other facilities.”

The response also states: “In addition we are in the process of reviewing our own estate – much of which is old and not fit for purpose. As we are already reviewing our facilities we do not think a further external review is required.”

Assembly suggestions that LAS should appoint representatives from the Greater London Authority, Transport for London, Metropolitan Police Service and London Fire Brigade to its Council of Governors have also been dismissed.

The LAS says “The focus for the governance arrangements and constitution for the LAS as an NHS foundation trust has been to maximise the patient voice on the Council of Governors.

“To extend the partnership arrangements beyond what is proposed in our foundation trust governance arrangements would mean the loss of some patient representation.”

However the response suggests “there are other ways to collaborate and work in partnership with other organisations without compromising the patient voice for the trust.”

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We welcome the findings of the review and have considered all six recommendations. We are particularly pleased the committee recognises the vital role we play in delivering high quality care to our patients in London and the need for us to remain part of the NHS.

“We look forward to continued close working relations with the London Assembly.”

MayorWatch uses cookies to ensure we give you the best experience on our site. Accept If you continue without changing your browser settings, we'll assume that you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy.